Jogger for lower frame assembly of blanking tool

ABSTRACT

A jogger is provided for aligning carton blanks die cut from a sheet supported on inner grid mounted to an outer frame for a lower blanking tool of a carton die cutting machine. The jogger includes a plate member defining inner and outer faces. The plate member having a recess formed therein and a bore extending between the inner face and the outer face along an axis at an acute angle to the outer face. A jogger element is positioned within the recess and is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. A fastening element extends through the bore through the plate member and is receivable in a corresponding slot in the outer frame to interconnect the plate member to the outer frame.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 10/164,478,filed Jun. 6, 2002 and entitled “Clamp Pieces For Lower Frame Assemblyof Blanking Tool.”

FIELD OF TE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates generally to die cutting machines formaking carton blanks, and in particular, to jogger for aligning cartonblanks die cut from a sheet positioned on a frame assembly for a lowerblanking tool.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY INVENTION

[0003] In the manufacture of cartons, small sheets of paper materialhaving specific profiles are cut out of larger sheets of paper material.These smaller sheets are known as carton blanks that, in turn, areformed into cartons and/or boxes. The blanks are formed during a processknown as a blanking operation in a die cutting machine.

[0004] In a die cutting machine, the blanks are cut, but not removedfrom a large sheet of paper material. After the blanks have been cut,the sheet is moved downstream in the die cutting machine to a blankingstation where the sheet is positioned over a frame assembly for support.The frame assembly includes an outer frame and an inner grid havinglarge openings that correspond in size, in shape and in position to theprofile of the carton blank previously cut. Below the frame is amechanism for stacking the carton blanks.

[0005] At the blanking station, an upper tool is used in combinationwith the lower tool or frame assembly to knock the carton blanks fromthe sheet of paper material while holding the scrap material thatsurrounds the blanks. The upper tool has a support board that movesvertically up and down in the die cutting machine, and the support boardtypically has a plurality of stand-offs depending therefrom that holdpushers spaced beneath the board which in turn are used to push thecarton blanks from the sheet through the lower tool or frame assembly. Aplurality of presser assemblies are also mounted in the support boardand depend therefrom to hold the scrap material against the lower toolor frame assembly during the blanking operation so that the blanks maybe pushed from the sheet. A presser assembly typically includes apresser rail which is biased downwardly away from the support board by aspring so that the rail is positioned slightly below the pushers. As theupper tool is lowered, the presser rail engages the sheet of papermaterial first such that a scrap portion of the large sheet of materialis secured between the presser rail and the frame. The upper tool thencontinues to be lowered such that the sheet of material engages theinner grid within the frame while at substantially the same time thepushers engage the carton blanks and knock the blanks out of the sheetof material and through the inner grid. The carton blanks then fall intoa stacking mechanism below the frame where the blanks are stacked forfurther processing.

[0006] The lower tool used in the blanking operation is typicallycomprised of a steel or aluminum outer frame that supports an innergrind. The inner grid is typically comprised of a plurality oflengthwise and crosswise extending bars. In order to secure the innergrid in place on the outer frame, the ends of each bar are typicallyscrewed onto attachment pieces which, in turn, are mounted on thelengthwise and crosswise rails of the outer frame. Since the frame andgrid support a sheet of paper material during the blanking operation,the grid must be configured to match or conform to the die cut in thesheet of paper material. In addition, the grid must be reconfiguredwhenever a different carton blank needs to be produced. Thus, unscrewingthe inner grid from the outer frame oftentimes becomes very cumbersomeand time consuming.

[0007] Therefore, it is a primary object and feature of the presentinvention to provide an improved jogger for aligning carton blanks diecut from a sheet positioned on a frame assembly for a lower blankingtool of a carton die cutting machine.

[0008] It is a further object and feature of the present invention toprovide a jogger for aligning carton blanks die cut from a sheetpositioned on a frame assembly that may be easily attached to andpositioned along the frame assembly.

[0009] It is a still further object and feature of the invention toprovide a jogger for aligning carton blanks die cut from a sheetpositioned on a frame assembly which is compatible with standardblanking operation machinery and which is relatively inexpensive.

[0010] In accordance with the present invention, a jogger is providedfor aligning carton blanks die cut sheets supported on an inner gridmounted to an outer frame for a lower blanking tool of a die cuttingmachine. The jogger includes a blank member defining a verticallyextending inner face, an opposite vertically extending outer face, ahorizontally extending lower face and a bore extending between the innerface and the outer face along an axis in an acute angle to the outerface. The inner face includes a recessed formed therein. A joggerelement slidably received in the interface of the plate member. Thejogger element is movable between a retracted position and an extendedposition wherein the jogger element retracts from the lower face of theplate member.

[0011] The recess in the inner face of the plate member is defined byfirst and second spaced vertically extending sidewalls extending from arecessed wall. The bore extends through the recessed wall. The first andsecond sidewall converts towards each other as the first and secondsidewalls extends from the recessed wall. The jogger element is definedby vertically extending outer face slidably engaging the recessed wall,a horizontally extending upper face, an opposite horizontally extendinglower face, a first end face slidably engaging the first side wall, anda second end face slidably engaging the second side wall. The first andsecond end face is converged toward each other as the first and secondend face is extend between the outer wall and the inner wall of thejogger element.

[0012] The acute angle of the bore through the plate member is in therange of 30 degrees and 80 degrees. Preferably, the acute angle of thebore through the plate member is approximately 65 degrees. It iscontemplated that the outer face of the plate member include a lip. Thelip is engageable with the corresponding ledge along the outer frame tosupport the plate member thereon. A fastening element extends throughthe bore through the plate member and is receivable in a correspondingslot in the outer frame to interconnect the plate member to the outerframe. The jogger element includes a generally oblong openingtherethrough for receiving a portion of the fastening element. Theopening defines the limits for movement of the jogger element betweenthe retracted and extended positions.

[0013] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, ajogger is provided for aligning carton blanks die cut from a sheetsupported on the inner grid mounted to an outer frame for a lowerblanking tool of a carton die cutting machine. The jogger plate memberdefining inner and outer faces. The plate member has a recessed formedtherein and a bore extending between the inner face and the outer facealong an axis at an acute angle to the outer face. The jogger element ispositioned within the recess and is movable between a ______ positionand an extended position.

[0014] The recessed is formed in the ______ and is defined by first andsecond extending sidewalls. The bore extends through the recessed wall.The first and second sides ______ to each other as the first and secondside wall extend from the recessed wall. The jogger element is definedby a vertically extending inner face, an opposite vertically extendingouter face slidably engaging the recessed wall, a horizontal extendingupper face, an opposite horizontally extending lower face, a first endface slidably engaging the first side wall, and a second opposite endface slidably engaging the second side wall. The first and second endfaces converge toward each other as the first and second end facesextend between the outer wall and the inner wall of the jogger element.

[0015] The plate member further defines a horizontally extending upperface and an opposite horizontally extending lower face. The recessextends between the upper and lower faces of the plate member. The lowerface of the jogger element is substantially flush with the lower face ofthe plate member with the jogger element in the retracted position.

[0016] The outer face of the plate member includes a lip. The lip isengageable with the corresponding ledge along the outer frame to supportthe plate member thereon. In order to interconnect the plate member tothe outer frame, a fastening element extends through the bore throughthe plate member and is receivable in a corresponding slot in the outerframe. It is contemplated that the acute angle of the bore through theplate member is in the range of 30 degrees and 80 degrees. Preferably,the angle of the bore through the plate member is approximately 65degrees. The jogger element includes a generally oblong openingtherethrough for receiving a portion of the fastening element. Theopening defines the limits for movement of the jogger element betweenthe retracted and the extended positions.

[0017] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, aframe assembly is provided for a lower blanking tool of a carton diecutting machine. The frame assembly includes a rigid outer frame, aninner grid, and a plurality of joggers attached to the outer frame. Theinner grid includes a plurality of length wise and crosswise extendingbars. Each jogger includes a plate member, a jogger element, and afastening element. The plate member defines inner and outer faces. Arecess is formed in the plate member and a bore extends between theinner face and the outer face along an axis and an acute angle to theouter face. The jogger element is positioned within the recess and ismovable between a retracted position and an extended position. Afastening element extends through the bore through the plate member andis receivable in a corresponding slot in the outer frame to interconnectthe plate member to the outer frame.

[0018] It is contemplated that the acute angle of the bore through eachplate member is in the range of 30 degrees and 80 degrees. Preferably,the acute angle of the bore through each plate member is approximately65 degrees. Each jogger element may include a generally oblong openingtherethrough for receiving a portion of the fastening element. Theopening defines a limit for movement of the jogger between the retractedand extended positions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The drawings furnished herewith illustrate a preferredconstruction of the present invention in which the above advantages andfeatures are clearly disclosed as well as others which will be readilyunderstood from the following description of the illustrated embodiment.

[0020] In the drawings:

[0021]FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a lower frame assembly for ablanking tool of a carton die cutting machine;

[0022]FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the lower frame assembly of FIG. 1;

[0023]FIG. 3 is an enlarged, isometric view of a corner of the lowerframe assembly of FIG. 1;

[0024]FIG. 4 is an enlarged, isometric view illustrating a clamp devicein accordance with the present invention for attaching a bar of theinner grid to the outer frame of the lower frame assembly of FIG. 1;

[0025]FIG. 5 is a top plan of the clamp device in accordance with thepresent invention for attaching a bar of the inner grid to the outerframe of the lower frame assembly of FIG. 1;

[0026]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp device of thepresent invention taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

[0027]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp device of thepresent invention taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 5;

[0028]FIG. 8 is an enlarged, isometric view illustrating a joggermounting to the outer frame of the lower frame assembly of FIG. 1;

[0029]FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the jogger mounted to the outer frameof the lower frame assembly of FIG. 8;

[0030]FIG. 10 is an exploded, isometric view of the jogger of FIG. 8;

[0031]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the jogger mounted to theouter frame of the lower frame assembly taken along line 11-11 of FIG.9;

[0032]FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the jogger mounted to theouter frame of the lower frame assembly taken along line 12-12 of FIG.9;

[0033]FIG. 13 is an enlarged, isometric view illustrating a stiffeningrail support mounted to the outer frame of the lower frame assembly ofFIG. 1;

[0034]FIG. 14 is a front, elevational view of the stiffening railsupport of FIG. 13;

[0035]FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the stiffening rail supportmounted to the outer frame of the lower frame assembly taken along line13-13 of FIG. 11;

[0036]FIG. 16 is an enlarged, isometric view illustrating a stiffeningrail clamp mounted to the outer frame of the lower frame of FIG. 1;

[0037]FIG. 17 is an isometric view of the stiffening rail clamp of FIG.13;

[0038]FIG. 18 is an exploded, isometric view of the stiffening railclamp of FIG. 13;

[0039]FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the stiffening rail clampmounted to the outer frame of the lower frame assembly taken along line19-19 of FIG. 16;

[0040]FIG. 20 is an enlarged, isometric view illustrating a bar supportmounted to the outer frame of the lower frame of FIG. 1;

[0041]FIG. 21 is a partially exploded, isometric view of the bar supportof FIG. 20 and associated bar,

[0042]FIG. 22 is a partially exploded, isometric view of the bar supportmounted to the outer frame of the lower frame of FIG. 1 and anassociated bar;

[0043]FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the bar support mounted tothe outer frame of the lower frame assembly taken along line 23-23 ofFIG. 20; and

[0044]FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the bar support mounted tothe outer frame of the lower frame assembly taken along line 24-24 ofFIG. 20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0045] Referring to FIG. 1, a lower frame assembly for a blanking toolof a carton die cutting machine is generally designated by the numeral10. As is known, a die cutting machine converts or processes a sheet ofpaper material into a carton blank. These machines are well known in theart and are used to cut one or several blanks into each sheet of papermaterial which, after folding and gluing, may be formed into cartons orboxes. As is conventional, the sheets of paper material move in asubstantially horizontal plane within the machine and are carriedthrough various sequences of printing, cutting, embossing, creasing,waste stripping and/or blanking stations.

[0046] The die cutting machine usually is formed by a series of stationswith the first station being a starting position or input station inwhich the sheets, which may be preprinted if desired, are taken one byone from the top of a stack to a feed table where they are placed inposition against frontal and side guides. The sheet can then be graspedby a gripper bar and lead downstream or in the machine direction intosubsequent processing stations. Typically, the sheet is first conveyedinto a cutting station where the carton or box blanks of a desired sizeand profile are die cut into the sheet. These blanks are held to thesheet by knicks which are arranged along the cut edges of the blanks.This cutting station is usually comprised of upper and lower tools, oneof which is provided with a plurality of line-shaped straight and curveddie cutting blades. If desired, the cutting station may be proceeded bya printing station, or as noted above, the sheets may be preprinted.After cutting, the sheet is then lead to a stripping station where thewaste, i.e., the unused scrap between the various blanks, is grasped byupper and lower pins in order to be lead downward into a wastecontainer. The sheet is then fed to a blanking station where the sheetis positioned horizontally over a lower frame for support. The lowerframe includes an inner grid having large openings that correspond insize, in shape and in position to the profile of the blank previouslycut. An upper blanking tool having one or more presser assembliesmounted thereto then moves vertically downwardly in the die cuttingmachine to secure the scrap portions against the grid and frame andthen, as the tool continues to move downwardly, the fasten points orknicks between the blanks and the sheet are broken by pushers so thateach of the blanks are released, pushed through the grid and falls belowthe frame where the blanks are stacked for further processing. Finally,the residual or remaining portion of the sheet is carried to a deliveryor exit station where it is released by the gripper bar as wastematerial.

[0047] Referring back to FIG. 1, lower frame assembly 10 includes anouter frame comprised of a pair of opposite, spaced apart longitudinallyextending side frame members or side rails 12 and 14, and a pair ofopposite, spaced apart cross frame members or cross rails 16 and 18extending crosswise between side rails 12 and 14. Arrow 20 illustratesthe machine direction, i.e. the direction of movement of a sheet ofpaper material (not shown) within the die cutting machine. Thus, asillustrated in FIG. 1, side rail 12 may be considered the left side railwhile side rail 14 may be considered the right side rail. Likewise,cross rail 16 may be considered the front or leading cross rail, whilecross rail 18 may be considered the rear or trailing cross rail. Asillustrated, cross rails 16 and 18 are of sufficient length such thatthe opposite ends of cross rails 16 and 18 overlap correspondingopposite ends of side rails 12 and 14. In addition, it is contemplatedthat cross rails 16 and 18 be disposed on top of side rails 12 and 14 sothat the lower surface of cross rails 16 and 18 abut against the uppersurfaces of side rails 12 and 14.

[0048] As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, side rail 12 is rigidlyinterconnected to cross rails 16 and 18 by a pair of corner pieces 22and 24, respectively. Similarly, side rail 14 is rigidly interconnectedto cross rails 16 and 18 by corner pieces 24 and 22, respectively.Corner pieces 22 are hereinafter referred to as right corner pieceswhile corner pieces 24 are hereinafter referred to as left cornerpieces. The terms “right” and “left” refer to the location of a tenon onthe underside of each corner piece. It can be appreciated that leftcorner pieces 24 are essentially mirror images of right corner pieces22. Corner pieces 22 and 24 are used to rigidly interconnect rails 12,14, 16 and 18 to one another so as to retain rails 12, 14, 16 and 18together in a “square” or 90° relationship.

[0049] Side rails 12 and 14 are identical in structure, and as such, thedescription hereinafter of side rail 12 is understood to described siderail 14 as if fully described herein. In addition, side rails 16 and 18are identical in structure, and as such, the description hereinafter ofside rail 16 is understood to described side rail 18 as if fullydescribed herein. Side rail 12 extends along a longitudinal axis andincludes upper surface 26 lying in a plane. Upper surface 26 of siderail 12 includes t-shaped slot 28 therein that extends along the entirelength thereof. As best seen in FIG. 19, slot 28 extends along an axis30 disposed at an acute angle 32 to upper surface 26 of side rail 12. Itis contemplated that angle 32 fall within the range of 11 and 89°, butis preferably between about 300 to about 80° and is most preferablyabout 65°. Slot 28 has a terminal end located within side rail 12 andhas an open end that opens to upper surface 26 of side rail 12.

[0050] Side rail 12 further includes second t-shaped slot 34 formedalong the entire length of inner surface 36 of side rail 12. Innersurface 36 of side rail 12 lies in plane that is generally perpendicularto upper surface 26 of side rail 12. Slot 34 extends along an axis 38disposed at an acute angle 40 with respect to inner surface 36. Angle 40may be any angle between about 1° to about 890, but is preferablybetween about 30° to about 80° and is most preferably about 65°. Slot 34is identical in structure to slot 28 and extends along the entire lengthof side rail 12. As illustrated, slot 34 has a terminal end locatedwithin side rail 12 and an open end which opens to inner surface 36 ofside rail 12. The terminal end of slot 34 (as well as the terminal endof slot 28) is configured to conform to the shape of nuts 42 capturedtherein, for reasons hereinafter described.

[0051] Side rail 12 further includes a channel-shaped recess 44 formedin upper surface 26 thereof. Recess 44 is formed in upper surface 26between slot 28 and the intersection of upper surface 26 and innersurface 36 and functions to receive a ruler or other measuring device toaid in building an inner grid 46 within rails 12, 14, 16 and 18, ashereinafter described. Recess 44 is formed along the entire length ofupper surface 26 of side rail 12 and opens to both of the opposite endsthereof.

[0052] Side rail 12 also includes an angled groove 48 formed in innersurface 36 above slot 34. Groove 48 is formed along the entire length ofinner surface 36 of side rail 12 and opens to both of the opposite endsthereof. As illustrated, groove 48 is defined by inwardly projectingledge 50 and angled surface 52. Ledge 50 has a planar surface and isdisposed at an angle of about 90° with respect to inner surface 36.Other acute angles for ledge 40 may be used, but 90° is preferred.Angled surface 52 forms an acute angle with ledge 50 that falls in therange of approximately about 30° to about 80°, but is preferably about70°. Groove 48 functions to receive a tenon of corresponding cornerpieces 22 and 24.

[0053] Referring now to FIGS. 3-4, 7-8 and 12, cross rail 16 includes anupper surface 54, an opposite lower surface 56, an outer surface 58, andan opposite inner surface 60. Inner surface 60 is generally planer andfaces the interior of frame assembly 10. Cross rail 16 includes at-shaped slot 62 formed therein. Slot 62 extends along the entire lengthof inner surface 60 of cross rail 16 and opens to both of the oppositeends of cross rail 16. Slot 62 has a terminal end located within theinterior of cross rail 16 and has an open end that opens to innersurface 60 of side rail 60. The terminal end of slot 62 is configured toconform to the shape of nuts 72 captured therein, for reasonshereinafter described. Slot 62 defines a downwardly extending axis 64disposed at an acute angle 66 with respect to inner surface 60 of crossrail 16. It is contemplated that angle 66 fall in the range of 1° and89°, but is preferably an angle of about 30° to about 80°, and is mostpreferably about 65°.

[0054] Cross rail 16 also includes an inwardly projecting ledge 68formed in inner surface 60. Ledge 68 is planar in shape and is disposedat an angle of 90° with respect to inner surface 60. However, ledge 68could also be modified to be at an acute angle with respect to innersurface 60 if desired. As shown, ledge 68 is located at the intersectionof the upper surface 54 and inner surface 60 of cross rail 16 such thatledge 68 is located between upper surface 54 and t-shaped slot 62. Ledge68 extends along the entire length of cross rail 16 and opens to both ofthe opposite ends of cross rail 16 in a manner similar to slot 62. Crossrail 16 further includes a channel-shaped recess 70 formed in uppersurface 54. Recess 70 is formed in and extends along the entire lengthof cross rail 16 and opens to both of the opposite ends of cross rail16. Recess 70 is typically utilized to receive a ruler or othermeasuring device that aids in the proper placement of inner grid 46.

[0055] Referring back to FIG. 3, corner piece 22 interconnects side rail12 and front cross rail 16 of the lower frame assembly 10, and includesan L-shaped body having a horizontal plate member 74 and an upright orvertical plate member 76. Horizontal plate member 74 defines asubstantially flat upper face, a substantially flat opposite lower face,an inside face, an opposite outside face and an end face. Asillustrated, each of these faces are substantially planar in shape.Upright or vertical plate member 76 also defines a substantially flatinner face contiguous with the upper face of plate member 74, asubstantially flat outer face contiguous with the lower face of platemember 74, an inside face contiguous with the inside face of horizontalplate member 74, an opposite outside face contiguous with the outsideface of horizontal plate member 74, and a top face. Horizontal platemember 74 has a pair of adjacent, aligned outwardly and downwardlyextending bolt receiving bores formed therethrough extending between itsupper face and lower face. Each bore defines an axis disposed at anacute angle with respect to the upper face of horizontal plate member74. It is preferred that the acute angle fall in the range of 1° and89°, but preferably between about 30° and about 80°, and is mostpreferably about 65°. Bolts 78 and 80 extend through bores in horizontalplate member 74 into slot 28 in upper surface 26 of side rail 12. Nutsare provided within the terminal end of the slot 28 in upper surface 26of side rail 12 and threaded onto the shafts of bolts 78 and 80 so as torigidly connect corner piece 22 to side rail 12.

[0056] Upright or vertical plate member 76 of corner piece 22 alsoincludes a pair of adjacent, aligned outwardly and downwardly extendingbolt receiving bores formed therethrough from its inner face to itsouter face through which bolts 84 extend into slot 62 in inner surface60 of cross rail 16. Each bore defines an axis disposed at an acuteangle with respect to the inner face of vertical plate member 76. Again,this acute angle may be anywhere between 1° and 89°, but is preferablybetween about 300 and about 80°, and is most preferably about 650 tomatch angle 66 of slot 62. Nuts are provided within the terminal end ofthe slot 62 in inner surface 60 of cross rail 16 and threaded onto theshafts of bolts 84 so as to rigidly connect corner piece 22 to crossrail 16.

[0057] Vertical plate member 76 has a lip 86 projecting outwardlytherefrom. Lip 86 has an upper surface and a lower surface. The uppersurface of lip 86 is contiguous with the top face of vertical platemember 76 while its lower surface is contiguous with the outer face ofvertical plate member 76. Lip 86 is disposed substantially 90° withrespect to the outer face of vertical plate member 76, and lip 86extends completely across the outer face of vertical plate member 76.Although illustrated as being contiguous with the top face of verticalplate member 76, lip 86 could also be spaced slightly downwardlytherefrom if desired. Also, lip 86 need not necessarily extendcompletely across the outer face of vertical plate member 76, butpreferably does so to provide the maximum amount of clamping forceagainst ledge 68.

[0058] Corner piece 22 also includes a tenon 88 projecting downwardlyfrom horizontal plate member 74. Tenon 88 has an angled surface disposedat an acute angle with respect to the lower face of plate member 74.This acute angle may be any angle between 1° and 89°, but preferablymatches the angle formed by angled surface 50 of groove 48 in side rail12. Again, by matching the angle of angled surface 50, the maximumamount of friction is provided between tenon 88 of corner piece 22 andangled surface 50 to provide the maximum amount of clamping force.

[0059] It can be appreciated that a right corner piece 22 may be used tointerconnect side rail 14 and cross rail 18 in the same manner asheretofore described with respect to side rail 12 and cross rail 16. Inaddition, as heretofore described, left corner pieces 24 are mirrorimages of right corner pieces 22. As such, the description heretoforeprovided for interconnecting side rail 12 and cross rail 16 with cornerpiece 22 may be understood to describe the connection of side rail 12and cross rail 18 with corner piece 24 and the connection of side rail14 and cross rail 16 with corner piece 24, as if fully described herein.

[0060] In order to increase the overall strength and stability of lowerframe assembly 10, it is contemplated to interconnect stiffening rails92 to corresponding side rails 12 and 14, respectively, utilizing aplurality of stiffening rail supports 96. It can appreciated that one ofthe stiffening rails 92 is interconnected to side rail 14 in the samematter as the other of the stiffening rails 92 is interconnected to siderail 12, and as such, the following description of the interconnectionof a stiffening rail 92 to side rail 12 is understood to describe theinterconnection of stiffening rail 92 to side rail 14 as if fullydescribed hereinafter.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 13-15, stiffening rails 92 have agenerally t-shaped cross-section and a length substantially the same asthe length of side rails 12 and 14. Each stiffening rail includes ahorizontal leg 99 and a vertical leg 100 disposed at 90° to one another.Stiffening rails 92 may be composed of any suitable material, but ispreferably steel having sufficient strength to discourage flexing ofside rails 12 and 14. Vertical legs 100 of stiffening rails 92 have alongitudinally extending v-shaped grooves 102 formed in one sidethereof. The opposite sides of vertical legs 100 define planar faceswhich bear or abut against the outer faces 104 of clamp pieces 101 ofstiffening rail supports 96, as illustrated. Stiffening rail supports 96include v-shaped cuts 106 formed horizontally across outer faces 104.

[0062] Stiffening rail supports 96 further include c-shaped jaws 108having a pair of opposite parallel legs 110 and 112, with legs 112 beingslightly longer than legs 110. The terminal ends of legs 110 and 112 arerounded for engagement with corresponding v-shaped grooves 102 andv-shaped cuts 106, respectively. In order to interconnect a stiffeningrail 92 to stiffening rail supports 96, screws 116 extend throughcorresponding walls 118 of c-shaped jaws 108 into bores in clamp pieces101. Thus, as screws 116 are turned down in a clockwise direction,c-shaped jaws 108 are moved toward corresponding clamp pieces 101 sothat legs 110 engage corresponding v-shaped groove 102 and legs 112engage corresponding v-shaped cuts 106 until stiffening rail 92 isrigidly retained in position.

[0063] Clamp pieces 101 of stiffening rail supports 96 further includedownwardly extending bolt-receiving bores 120 therethough for receivingcorresponding bolts 122. Bolts 122 extend into slot 34 in inner surface36 of side rail 12. Each bore 120 defines an axis 124 disposed at anacute angle 126 with respect to outer face 104 of a corresponding clamppiece 101. Acute angle 126 may be anywhere between 1° and 89°, but ispreferably between about 30° and about 80°, and is most preferably about65° to match angle 40 of slot 34. Nuts are provided within the terminalend of the slot 34 in inner surface 36 of side rail 12 and threaded ontothe shafts of bolts 122 so as to rigidly connect clamp pieces 101, andhence, stiffening rail supports 96 to side rail 12. In the assembledconfiguration, stiffening rails 92 stiffen side rails 12 and 14 toprevent any significant flexing thereof during a blanking operation.

[0064] In addition to outer face 104, each clamp piece 101 of stiffeningrail support 96 is defined by flat vertically extending inner face 103,a horizontally extending upper face 105, an opposite horizontallyextending lower face 107, and a pair of opposite end faces 109 and 111.Each clamp piece 101 also defines slot 113 that extends along the entireheight of clamp piece 101 and opens to both upper face 105 and 107. Slot113 is defined by a vertical rear surface 115 and first and secondsidewalls 117 and 119, respectively. Sidewalls 117 and 119 extend frominner face 103 and diverge from each other.

[0065] Jogging element 121 is slidably received within slot 113. Joggingelement 121 includes an upright plate member defining substantiallyflat, vertically extending inner face 123, a substantially flatoppositely vertically extending outer face 125, a horizontally extendingupper face 127, an opposite horizontally extending lower face 129, and apair of opposite end faces 131 and 133. End faces 131 and 133 divergefrom each other as the end faces extend from inner face 123 to outerface 125. As described, end face 131 of jogging element 121 forms aslidable interface with sidewall 117, end face 133 of jogging element121 forms a slidable interface with sidewall 119, and outer face 125 ofjogging element 121 forms a slidable interface with rear wall 115.

[0066] Jogging element 121 further includes wall 135 defining agenerally oblong opening 137 to accommodate the portion of head 122 a ofbolt 122 that projects into slot 113. With jogging element 121positioned within slot 113, jogging element 121 is slidable between afirst raised position wherein lower face 129 of jogging element 121 issubstantially flush with the lower face 107 of clamp piece 101 andwherein head 112 a of bolt 122 engages lower portion 135 a of wall 135and a lowered position wherein lower face 107 of jogging element 121 isbelow lower face 107 of the upright plate member and bolt head 122 aengages upper portion 135 b of wall 135. Jogging element 121 provides anadjustable stop for a sheet being positioned horizontally over lowerframe assembly 10.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 1, lower frame assembly 10 further includesinner grid 46 composed of a plurality of parallel lengthwise bars 130extending in machine direction 20 between front cross rail 16 and rearcross rail 18, and a plurality of substantially parallel crosswise bars132 extending transverse to machine direction 20 between left side rail12 and right side rail 14. Bars 130 and 132 of inner grid 46 can bepoint welded or glued with adhesive at the points where they intersectto insure rigidity of inner grid 46. As hereinafter described, theopposite ends of bars 130 are attached to cross rails 16 and 18 bycorresponding clamp devices 136. Likewise, the opposite ends of bars 132are attached to side rails 12 and 14 by corresponding clamp devices 138.It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to thedesign of inner grid 46 illustrated in FIG. 1 and that the designprovided is for illustrative purposes only. It can be appreciated thatthe profile of inner grid 46 may be changed depending upon the type,size and shape of the carton blank to be produced.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 4-7, each clamp device 136 includes an uprightplate member defining a substantially flat vertically extending innerface 140, a substantially flat opposite vertically extending outer face142, a horizontally extending upper face 144, an opposite horizontallyextending lower face 146, and a pair of opposite end faces 148 and 150.As described, clamp device 136 is generally rectangular in shape,although other geometric shapes are contemplated without deviating fromthe scope of the present invention.

[0069] Lip 152 is formed on outer face 142 of each clamp device 136.Lips 152 project at right angles to outer faces 142 and extendcompletely across outer faces 142 between end faces 148 and 150 of clampdevices 136. Lips 152 do not necessarily extend completely across outerfaces 142 of clamp devices 136, but preferably do so to provide themaximum amount of clamping force against ledges 68 formed in innersurfaces 60 of cross rails 16 and 18.

[0070] A substantially u-shaped upper cavity 156 is formed in upper face144 of each clamp device 136. Cavity 156 is defined by spaced sidewalls158 and 160 and bottom wall 162. Sidewalls 158 and 160 extend verticallyin planes parallel to end faces 148 and 150 and are disposed at a 90°angle with respect to inner face 140. Bottom wall 162 of each cavity 156includes depression 164 therein that extends along an axis perpendicularto inner face 140 for receiving the lower edge 130 a of bar 130 and foraiding in the alignment of bars 130, as hereinafter described. Cavity156 includes a tear-dropped shaped portion 165 at the intersection ofsidewall 160 and bottom wall 162.

[0071] Wedge members 166 are disposed within cavities 156 of clampdevices 136 for pivotable movement between a clamped position whereinclamping surfaces 168 of wedge members 166 engage and retaincorresponding bars 130 in a user desired position and a releasedposition wherein bars 130 may be removed from cavity 156. Asillustrated, each wedge member 166 has upper and lower faces 170 and172, respectively, spaced by clamping surface 168 and sides 174 and 176.Each clamping surface 168 is generally arcuate having an apex forengaging a corresponding bar 130. Each wedge member 166 also includespivoting element 178 having a tear-drop shaped cross section that ispivotably receivable within portion 165 of a corresponding cavity 156.Each pivoting element 178 of wedge members 166 extends from and iscontiguous with upper and lower faces 170 and 172, respectively, andsides 174 and 176. Threaded apertures 180 extend through wedge members166 between the upper and lower faces 170 and 172, respectively,thereof. Bolts 182 extend though corresponding apertures 180 in wedgemembers 166 and into corresponding bores 184 formed in bottom walls 162of clamp devices 136 so as to interconnect wedge members 166 andcorresponding clamp devices 136.

[0072] It can be appreciated that as bolts 182 are turned down in aclockwise direction, wedge members 166 pivot on pivoting elements 178toward their clamped positions. Clamping surfaces 168 of wedge members166 function to engage bars 130 provided in depressions 164 to exert thenecessary clamping force to retain bars 130 in position betweensidewalls 158 and clamping surfaces 168 of wedge members 166 as wedgemembers 166 pivot downwardly into cavities 156. To release bars 130,bolts 182 are turned in a counterclockwise direction until wedge members166 pivot away from corresponding bars 130 to release the clampingpressure applied thereto so that bars 130 can be removed from cavities156.

[0073] In order to attach clamp devices 136 to cross rails 16 and 18,rectangular recesses 190 are formed in inner faces 140 to define innerwalls 192. Downwardly and outwardly extending bolt-receiving bores 194extend through inner walls 192. Each bore 194 extends along axisdisposed at an acute angle with respect to outer face 142. The acuteangle may be anywhere between 11 and 89°, but is preferably betweenabout 30° and about 80°, and is most preferably about 65° to match theangle 66 defined by slot 62 in a corresponding cross rail 16 or 18.Bolts 198 extend through corresponding bores 194 into nuts (not shown)captured within slots 62. As bolts 198 are tightened, lips 152 arepulled tightly against corresponding ledges 68 of cross rails 16 and 18while at the same time outer faces 142 are forced to bear tightlyagainst corresponding inner faces 60 of cross rails 16 and 18 to rigidlyhold clamp devices 136 in position on cross rails 16 and 18.

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 16-19, it can be appreciated that clampdevices 138 perform the dual function of interconnecting stiffeningrails 92 to corresponding side rails 12 and 14, as well as,interconnecting the ends of bars 132 to side rails 12 and 14. Each clampdevice 138 includes an upright plate member that defines substantiallyflat, vertically extending inner face 200, a substantially flat oppositevertically extending outer face 202, a horizontally extending upper face204, an opposite horizontally extending lower face 206, and a pair ofopposite end faces 208 and 210. As described, clamp device 138 isgenerally rectangular in shape, although other geometric shapes arecontemplated depending upon the end use of clamp device 138.

[0075] Each clamp device 138 further includes a c-shaped jaw 212 havinga pair of oppositely parallel legs 214 and 216, with a leg 216 beingslightly longer than leg 214. The terminal ends of legs 214 and 216 arerounded for engagement with corresponding V-shaped grooves. 102 formedin vertical legs 100 of stiffening rail 92 and v-shaped cuts 218 formedhorizontally across outer faces 202 of clamp devices 138. In order tointerconnect a stiffening rail 92 to clamp devices 138, screws 220extend through corresponding walls 222 of c-shaped jaws 212 into bores224 formed in outer faces 202 of clamp devices 138. As screws 220 areturned down in a clockwise direction, c-shaped jaws 212 are moved towardcorresponding outer faces 202 of clamp devices 138 so that legs 214engage corresponding v-shaped groove 102 in vertical leg 100 ofstiffening rail 92 and legs 216 engage corresponding v-shaped cuts 218until stiffening rail 92 is rigidly retained in position.

[0076] Lip 226 is formed on outer face 202 of each clamp device 138.Lips 226 project at right angles to outer faces 202 and extendcompletely across outer faces 202 between end faces 208 and 210 of clampdevices 138. Lips 226 do not necessarily extend completely across outerfaces 202 of clamp devices 138, but preferably do so as to provide themaximum amount of clamping force against ledges 50 in side rails 12 and14.

[0077] A substantially unshaped upper cavity 228 is formed in upper face204 of each clamp device 138. Cavity 228 is defined by spaced sidewalls230 and 232 and bottom wall 234. Sidewalls 230 and 232 extend verticallyin parallel planes and are disposed at right angles to inner face 200.Bottom wall 234 of each cavity 238 includes depression 236 therein thatextends along an axis perpendicular to inner face 200 for receiving thelower edge 132 a of bar 132 and for aiding the alignment of bars 132.Each cavity 228 includes a portion 238 having a tear-drop shaped crosssection at the intersection of sidewall 232 and bottom wall 234.

[0078] Wedge members 240 are disposed within cavities 228 of clampdevices 138 for pivotable movement between a clamped position whereinclamping surfaces 242 of wedge members 240 engage and retaincorresponding bars 132 in a user desired position and a releasedposition wherein bars 132 may be removed from cavity 228. Asillustrated, each wedge member 240 has upper and lower faces 244 and246, respectively, spaced by clamping surface 242 and sides 248 and 250.Each clamping surface 242 is generally arcuate having an apex forengaging a corresponding bar 132. Each wedge member 240 also includespivoting element 252 having a tear drop shaped cross section that ispivotably receivable within portion 238 of a corresponding cavity 228.Each pivoting element 252 of wedge members 240 extends from andcontinuous with upper and lower faces 244 and 246, respectively, andsides 248 and 250. Threaded apertures 254 extending through wedgemembers 240 between upper and lower faces 244 and 246, respectively,thereof. Bolts 256 extend through corresponding apertures 254 and wedgemembers 240 and into corresponding bores 258 formed in bottom walls 234of clamp devices 138 so as to interconnect wedge members 240 andcorresponding clamp devices 138.

[0079] It can be appreciated that as bolts 256 are turned down in aclockwise direction, wedge members 240 pivot on pivoting elements 252toward their clamped positions. Clamping surfaces 242 of wedge members240 function to engage bars 132 provided in depressions 234 to exert thenecessary clamping force to retain bars 132 in position betweensidewalls 204 and clamping surfaces 242 of wedge members 240 as wedgemembers 240 pivot downwardly into cavities 228. To release bars 132,bolts 256 are turned in a counterclockwise direction until wedge members240 pivot away from corresponding bars 132 to release the clampingpressure applied thereto so that bars 132 can be removed from cavities228.

[0080] In order to attach clamp devices 138 to side rails 12 and 14,rectangular recesses 260 are formed in inner faces 200 that define innerwalls 262. Downwardly and outwardly extending bolt-receiving bores 264extend through inner walls 262. Each bore 264 extends along an axisdisposed on an acuate angle with respect to outer face 202 of acorresponding clamp device 138. The acuate angle may be anywhere between1° and 89°, but is preferably between about 30° and about 80°, and ismost preferably about 65° to match the angle 40 defined by slot 34 in acorresponding side rail 12 or 14. Bolts 266 extend through correspondingbores 264 into nuts (not shown) captured within slots 34. As bolts 266are tightened, lips 226 are pulled tightly against corresponding ledges50 of side rails 12 and 14 while at the same time outer faces 202 areforced to bear tightly against corresponding inner faces 36 of siderails 12 and 14 to rigidly hold clamp devices 138 in position on siderails 12 and 14.

[0081] Referring to FIGS. 20-24, an alternate clamp device is generallydesigned by the reference numeral 270. As hereinafter described, clampdevice 270 may be used to attach the opposite ends of an alternate bar272 to cross rails 16 or 18. Bar 272 takes the form of generally flatpanel having first and second sides 274 and 276, first and second edges278 and 280, respectively, and end 282. A generally cylindrical mountingpin 284 projects from end 282 of bar 272, for reasons hereinafterdescribed.

[0082] Clamp device 270 includes an upright plate member defining asubstantially flat, vertically extending inner face 284, a substantiallyflat opposite vertically extending outer face 286, a horizontallyextending upper face 288, an opposite horizontally extending lower face290, and a pair of opposite end faces 292 and 293. As described, clampdevice 270 is generally rectangular in shape although other geometricshapes are contemplated about deviating from the scope of the presentinvention.

[0083] Lip 294 is formed on outer face 286 of clamp device 270. Lip 294projects at a right angle to outer face 286 and extends completelyacross outer face 286 between end faces 292 and 293 of clamp device 270.Lip 294 does not necessarily extend completely across outer face 286 ofclamp device 270, but preferably does so as to provide the maximumamount of clamping force against ledge 68 formed in inner surface 60 ofcross rail 16.

[0084] Panel receiving slot 296 that extends along the entire height ofclamp device 270 and opens to both upper face 288 and lower face 290.Slot 296 includes a first inner portion 296 a defined by sidewalls 298 aand 300 a, and an outer portion 296 b defined by sidewalls 298 b and 300b. Outer portion slot 296 is further defined by a lower horizontalsupport surface 301 that is generally parallel to and positioned betweenupper and lower faces 288 and 290, respectively, of clamp device 270. Asdescribed, sidewalls 298 a and 300 a are spaced of sufficient dimensionto allow end 282 of bar 272 to be inserted therebetween. Similarly,sidewalls 298 b and 300 b are spaced of sufficient dimension to allowpin 284 to be inserted therebetween. The intersection of sidewalls 298 aand 298 b define a shoulder 302 within slot 296 and the intersection ofsidewalls 300 a and 300 b define shoulder 304 within slot 296. End 282of bar 272 engages shoulders 302 and 304 when end 282 of bar 272 isfully inserted into slot 296 in clamp device 270. With end 282 of bar272 fully inserted within slot 296 in clamp device 270, pin 284 isreceived within outer portion 296 b of slot 296. It can be appreciatedthat pin 284 may be rested on support surface 301 to allow supportsurface 301 to vertically support bar 272.

[0085] In order to maintain bar 272 within slot 296 in clamp device 270,a set screw 306 extends through bore 308 formed in end face 292 of clampdevice 270. Bore 302 communicates with inner portion 296 a of slot 296.It can be appreciated that as set screw 306 is turned in a clockwisedirection, the terminal end 306 a of set screw 306 engages side 274 ofbar 272 to exert the necessary clamping force to retain bar 272 inposition within slot 296. To release bar 272, set screw 306 is turned ina counterclockwise direction until terminal end 306 a of set screw 306disengages from side 274 of bar 272 to release the clamping pressureapplied thereto so that bar 272 can be removed from slot 296.

[0086] In order to attach clamp device 270 to cross rail 16, adownwardly and outwardly extending bolt receiving bore 307 extendsthrough clamp device 270 between inner face 284 and outer face 286. Bore298 extends along an axis disposed at an acute angle with respect toouter face 286. The acute angle maybe anywhere between 1° and 89°, butpreferably is between about 30° and 80°, and is most preferably about65° to match the angle 66 defined by slots 62 in cross rail 16. Bolt 310extends through corresponding bore 307 into a nut (not shown) capturedwithin slot 62. As bolt 310 is tightened, lip 294 is pulled tightlyagainst corresponding ledge 68 of cross rail 16 while at the same timeouter face 286 is force to bear tightly against corresponding inner face60 of cross rail 16 to rigidly hold clamping device 270 in positionacross rail 16.

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 8-12, a jogger is generally designated by thereference numeral 320. Jogger 320 is connectable to cross-rails 16 and18 for aligning a sheet on inner grid 46 of lower frame assembly 10.Jogger 320 includes an upright plate member defining a substantiallyflat vertically extending inner face 322, a substantially flat oppositevertically extending outer face 324, a horizontally extending upper face326, an opposite horizontally extending lower face 328, and a pair ofopposite end faces 330 and 332. As described, jogger 320 is generallyrectangular in shape, although other geometric shapes are contemplatedwithout deviating from the scope of the present invention.

[0088] Lip 334 is formed in outer face 324 of jogger 320. Lip 334projects at a right angle to outer face 324 and extends completelyacross outer face 324 between end faces 330 and 332 of jogger 320. Lip334 does not necessary extend completely across outer face 324 of jogger320, but preferably does so as to provide the maximum amount of clampingforce against ledge 68 formed in the inner surface 60 of cross rail 16.In addition, slot 336 extends along the entire height of jogger 320 andopens to both upper face 326 and lower face 328. Slot 336 is defined bya vertical rear surface 338 and first and second sidewalls 340 and 342,respectively. Sidewalls 340 and 342 extend from inner face 322 anddiverge from each other.

[0089] In order to attach jogger 320 to cross rail 16, a downwardly andoutwardly extending bolt receiving bore 344 extends through jogger 320between rear wall 338 and outer face 324. Bore 344 extends along an axis346 disposed at an acute angle with respect to outer face 324. The acuteangle may be anywhere between 1° and 89°, but preferably is betweenabout 30° and 80°, and is most preferably about 65° to match the angle66 defined by slot 62 in cross rail 16. Bolt 348 extends throughcorresponding bore 344 into nut 350 captured within slot 62. As bolt 348is tightened, lip 334 is pulled tightly against corresponding ledge 68of cross rail 16 while at the same time outer face 324 is forced to beartightly against corresponding inner face 60 of cross rail 16 to rigidlyhold jogger 320 in position against cross rail 16. With bolt 348threaded in bore 344, a portion of head 348 a of bolt projects into slot336.

[0090] Jogger 320 further includes jogging element 352 that is slidablyreceived within slot 336. Jogging element 352 includes an upright platemember defining substantially flat, vertically extending inner face 354,a substantially flat oppositely vertically extending outer face 356, ahorizontally extending upper face 358, an opposite horizontallyextending lower face 360, and a pair of opposite end faces 362 and 364.End faces 362 and 364 diverge from each other as the end faces extendfrom inner face 354 to outer face 356. As described, end face 362 ofjogging element 352 forms a slidable interface with sidewall 340, endface 364 of jogging element 352 forms a slidable interface with sidewall342, and outer face 356 of jogging element 352 forms a slidableinterface with rear wall 338.

[0091] Jogging element 352 further includes wall 370 defining agenerally oblong opening 366 to accommodate the portion of head 348 a ofbolt 348 that projects into slot 336. With jogging element 352positioned within slot 336, jogging element 352 is slidable between afirst raised position wherein lower face 360 of jogging element 352 issubstantially flush with the lower face 328 and wherein head 348 a ofbolt 348 engages lower portion 370 a of wall 370 and a lowered positionwherein lower face 360 of jogging element 352 is below lower face 328 ofthe upright plate member and bolt head 348 engages upper portion 370 bof wall 370. Jogging element 352 provides an adjustable stop for a sheetbeing positioned horizontally over lower frame assembly 10.

[0092] Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated asbeing within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing anddistinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as theinvention.

1-25. (canceled).
 26. A frame assembly for a lower blanking tool of acarton die cutting machine, comprising: an outer frame for supporting asheet of die cut paper material during a blanking operation, said sheetof paper material defining a substantially horizontal plane, and saidouter frame comprising: a pair of opposite, spaced apart longitudinallyextending side rails, and a pair of opposite, spaced apart cross railsextending crosswise between said side rails; each of said cross railshaving an inner surface disposed substantially transverse to the planedefined by said sheet of paper material and having a T-shaped slotformed therein opening to said inner surface, each of said side railshaving an upper surface disposed substantially parallel to the planedefined by said sheet of paper material and having a T-shaped slotformed therein opening to said upper surface, said T-shaped slots eachdefining a downwardly extending axis disposed at an acute angle withrespect to the plane defined by said sheet of paper material; and aplurality of corner pieces rigidly interconnecting said rails together,said corner pieces each include fasteners extending into the T-shapedslots of adjacent side and cross rails.
 27. The frame assembly of claim26 wherein said T-shaped slot is formed along the entire length of saidside rails.
 28. The frame assembly of claim 26 wherein said T-shapedslot is formed along the entire length of said cross rails.
 29. Theframe assembly of claim 26 wherein said rails are composed of aluminum.30. The frame assembly of claim 26 wherein said rails are composed ofextruded aluminum.
 31. The frame assembly of claim 26 wherein each crossrail includes a ledge formed in said inner surface, and each cornerpiece has a lip projecting therefrom that engages said ledge.
 32. Theframe assembly of claim 31 wherein said ledge is formed along the entirelength of each cross rail.
 33. The frame assembly of claim 31 whereineach ledge projects inwardly into said cross rail.
 34. The frameassembly of claim 31 wherein said ledge has a planar surface.
 35. Theframe assembly of claim 34 wherein said planar surface is disposed at anangle of 90° with respect to said inner surface.
 36. The frame assemblyof claim 26 wherein each slide rail includes an inner surface disposedsubstantially transverse to the plane defined by said sheet of papermaterial, said inner surface of each side rail includes a notch formedtherein, and each corner piece has a tenon projecting therefrom thatengages said notch.
 37. The frame assembly of claim 36 wherein saidnotch is formed by a planar surface disposed at an angle of 90° withrespect to said inner surface and a tapered surface disposed at an acuteangle with respect to said planar surface.
 38. The frame assembly ofclaim 37 wherein said notch is formed along the entire length of eachside rail.
 39. The frame assembly of claim 36 wherein said tenonincludes a tapered surface that matches the tapered surface of saidnotch.
 40. The frame assembly of claim 36 wherein each cross railfurther includes a second T-shaped slot formed therein opening to theinner surface thereof, each second T-shaped slot defining a downwardlyextending axis disposed at an acute angle with respect to the planedefined by said sheet of paper material.
 41. The frame member of claim40 wherein said acute angle is about 65°.
 42. The frame assembly ofclaim 40 wherein said notch is located between said upper surface andsaid T-shaped slot.
 43. A frame member for a lower blanking tool frameassembly of a carton die cutting machine, comprising: an elongated railhaving an upper surface, a lower surface, an outer surface and an innersurface, and said rail having a bolt-receiving T-shaped slot formedtherein, said slot opening to said inner surface and defining adownwardly extending axis disposed at an acute angle with respect tosaid inner surface.
 44. The frame member of claim 43 wherein said angleis between about 30° to about 80°.
 45. The frame member of claim 43wherein said angle is about 65°.
 46. The frame member of claim 43wherein said rail is composed of aluminum.
 47. The frame member of claim43 wherein said rail is composed of extruded aluminum.
 48. The framemember of claim 43 wherein said rail has opposite ends and a lengthgreater than either its height or its width, and said slot is formedthroughout the entire length thereof and open to both of said oppositeends.
 49. The frame member of claim 43 wherein the inner surface of saidrail further includes a ledge formed therein.
 50. The frame member ofclaim 49 wherein said ledge projects inwardly into said rail.
 51. Theframe member of claim 50 wherein said ledge has a planar surface. 52.The frame member of claim 51 wherein said planar surface is disposed atan angle of 90° with respect to said inner surface.
 53. The frame memberof claim 49 wherein said ledge is located at the intersection of theupper and inner surfaces of said rail.
 54. The frame member of claim 49wherein said ledge is located between said upper surface and saidT-shaped slot.
 55. The frame member of claim 49 wherein said rail hasopposite ends and a length greater than either its height or its width,and said ledge is formed along the entire length thereof and opens toboth of said opposite ends.
 56. The frame member of claim 49 furtherincluding a channel-shaped recess formed in the upper surface of saidrail.
 57. The frame member of claim 56 wherein said rail has oppositeends and a length greater than either its height or its width and saidrecess is formed along the entire length thereof and opens to both ofsaid opposite ends.
 58. The frame member of claim 57 further including aV-shaped cavity formed in the outer surface of said rail.
 59. The framemember of claim 58 wherein said rail has opposite ends and a lengthgreater than either its height or its width, and said cavity is formedalong the entire length thereof and opens to both of said opposite ends.60. The frame member of claim 43 wherein said rail further includes asecond bolt-receiving T-shaped slot formed therein, said second slotopening to said upper surface and defining an axis disposed at an acuteangle with respect to said upper surface.
 61. The frame member of claim60 wherein said angle is between about 30° to about 80°.
 62. The framemember of claim 60 wherein said angle is about 65°.
 63. The frame memberof claim 47 wherein said rail has opposite ends and a length greaterthan either its height or its width, and said second slot is formedthroughout the entire length thereof and open to both of said oppositeends.
 64. A frame assembly for a lower blanking tool of a carton diecutting machine, comprising: a side rail extending along a first axis;and a cross rail operatively connected to the side rail and extending asecond axis generally perpendicular to the first axis, the cross rail:being defined by an inner face and a bottom face that intersect and aregenerally perpendicular to each other; and including a slot opening tothe inner face, the slot extending along a third axis at an acute anglewith respect to the inner face of the cross rail.
 65. The frame assemblyof claim 64 wherein the slot has a generally T-shaped cross section. 66.The frame assembly of claim 64 wherein the cross rail has a length andthe slot extends along the entire length of the cross rail.
 67. Theframe assembly of claim 64 wherein the acute angle is in the range of30° to 80°.
 68. The frame assembly of claim 67 wherein the acute angleis generally equal to 65°.